Last checked: November 2026
The best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina are Sarajevo for culture and food, Mostar and its nearby villages for stone bridges and river scenery, and the northwest and central regions for waterfalls and medieval towns. Most visitors spend three to seven days and use Sarajevo or Mostar as a base.
How do you choose where to go?
Distances aren’t huge, but mountain roads are slow, so every extra stop costs time. Pick two bases and add day trips.
- Choose Sarajevo if you want history, markets, museums and a lively café scene.
- Choose Mostar if you want the Old Bridge, river views and easy day trips to Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravice.
- Choose Jajce and Travnik if you like medieval fortresses and smaller towns.
- Choose Una National Park and Bihać if you want green rivers, rafting and quiet nature.
- Choose the mountains near Sarajevo if you want skiing or hiking.
Stay on paved roads and marked paths wherever you go. The US State Department says landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout the country, and the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Centre publishes information on affected areas.
Best places for history and culture
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the best place to see how Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and modern influences meet. Start in the Baščaršija bazaar, then walk to the Latin Bridge and the City Hall. The city is also a good place to learn about the 1992 to 1995 siege through its museums. Plan two to three full days.
Mostar
The Old Bridge Area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, according to the Bosnian government. The bridge is a 16th-century Ottoman design that was rebuilt after being destroyed. Visit early or late in the day, when day-trip groups are fewer. One night is enough for the Old Town, and two nights let you add day trips.
Višegrad
The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge across the Drina was listed by UNESCO in 2007. It’s a long drive from the main tourist areas, so combine it with a trip along the eastern border region and plan at least half a day.
Stećci medieval tombstones
Stećci are carved medieval tombstones, listed by UNESCO in 2016 as a shared site with Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia. Of the 28 sites, 20 are in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Radimlja necropolis near Stolac is among the best known. They’re best visited by car, and you should check access before you go.
Best places for nature
Kravice Waterfalls and the Neretva valley
Kravice is a group of cascades south of Mostar. It’s popular for swimming in warm months, so go early on weekends. Check conditions before you go, because water levels change by season.
Una National Park and Bihać
The Una River’s green water, waterfalls and rafting routes make this area one of the best nature stops in the northwest. It takes planning to reach, so give it two nights.
Jajce
Jajce has a medieval fortress and a waterfall in the middle of town. Combine it with nearby lakes and the town of Travnik. Plan one night.
Jahorina and Bjelašnica
These mountains near Sarajevo were used for the 1984 Winter Olympics. Winter brings skiing, and summer brings hiking. If you hike, stay on marked trails because of landmine risks outside popular areas.
Best places for villages and spiritual sites
Blagaj, a village near Mostar, is known for a riverside Sufi house at a spring. Počitelj is a walled stone village on the Neretva. Medjugorje is a pilgrimage site for many Catholic visitors. Keep clothes modest at religious places, and ask before taking photos.
How long should you spend in each place?
| Place | Suggested time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sarajevo | 2 to 3 days | History, markets, food |
| Mostar | 1 to 2 nights | Old Bridge, river views |
| Blagaj, Počitelj, Kravice | 1 day trip | Villages, waterfalls |
| Jajce and Travnik | 1 to 2 nights | Fortresses, waterfalls |
| Una National Park, Bihać | 2 nights | Rivers, rafting |
| Jahorina and Bjelašnica | 1 to 3 days | Skiing, hiking |
Common mistakes
- Leaving marked roads or paths in rural areas.
- Trying to see too much in a short stay and spending most of the time on mountain roads.
- Visiting Mostar only as a quick day trip and arriving at the busiest hours.
- Not checking opening times and access for religious sites and memorials.
Quick planning checklist
- Pick two bases and add day trips.
- Check road and weather conditions in winter.
- Carry a paper or offline map, since mobile coverage can be patchy in mountains.
- Check access and rules for national parks on the official sites.
- Confirm timetables for trains and buses before you go, using our guide to getting around Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sarajevo or Mostar better for a first visit?
Sarajevo offers more variety, including museums, markets and food. Mostar is smaller and more scenic. Most first-time visitors do both, since they’re only a couple of hours apart.
Can you visit Srebrenica?
Yes. The Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial honours the victims of the 1995 genocide. It’s a solemn place, so dress modestly, behave respectfully and check visiting arrangements in advance.
Is it safe to hike?
Hiking is popular, but landmines remain in some rural and mountain areas. Use marked trails, follow local guidance, and don’t enter abandoned buildings.
Are there beaches?
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a very short Adriatic coastline around Neum. Most visitors who want beaches combine the trip with Croatia or Montenegro.